The Martian

The Martian

Year: 2015

Runtime: 144 min

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

ActionAdventureSci-FiDramaComedy

During a mission to Mars, astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead and left behind. With dwindling resources and no way to contact Earth, he must use his resourcefulness and scientific knowledge to survive. Back on Earth, NASA discovers Watney is alive and initiates a complex and perilous plan to rescue him, facing numerous challenges and garnering international support in a race against time.

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Timeline – The Martian (2015)

Trace every key event in The Martian (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ares III Landing

The Ares III shuttle successfully lands on Acidalia Planitia on Mars. The crew, including Commander Melissa Lewis and botanist Mark Watney, begins their mission by collecting samples and setting up their habitat, known as the HAB.

Acidalia Planitia, Mars
2

Storm Approaches

As the crew performs their duties, a powerful storm approaches Mars. Commander Lewis makes the tough decision to abort the mission and evacuate immediately, believing that the approaching storm poses a significant threat to their safety.

Mars
3

Mark Watney Left Behind

During the storm's chaos, Watney is injured by a satellite dish and loses contact with his crew. The remaining members narrowly escape to the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), leaving Watney behind, whom they assume to be dead.

Mars
4

Watney Awakens

After the storm clears, Watney regains consciousness on Sol 21. Realizing he is alone, he begins to confront the reality of his situation and devises a plan for survival using the limited food supplies available.

Mars
5

Surviving on Mars

Watney uses his skills as a botanist to cultivate potatoes in Martian soil. He creatively utilizes the crew's leftover fecal matter as compost, marking his innovative adaptation to life on a lifeless planet.

HAB, Mars
6

Watney's Survival Discovery

NASA Director Teddy Sanders holds a press conference to announce Watney's presumed death, shocking the world. However, Mindy Park discovers satellite images showing signs of activity at the Ares III site, indicating that Watney is alive.

NASA, Earth
7

Establishing Communication

Determined to contact NASA, Watney salvages a long-dormant Pathfinder probe. His successful connection enables him to send messages back to Earth, prompting NASA to decode his signals and plan a rescue.

Mars
8

Crew Learns the Truth

As the Hermes crew flies back toward Earth, they receive the shocking news of Watney's survival from their flight director. Overwhelmed with guilt, they realize that they could have saved him sooner if they had known the truth.

Space, near Earth
9

Unexpected Mishaps

Watney faces numerous challenges while trying to survive, including a catastrophic failure of the habitat's airlock. This incident causes further complications for his potato crop, highlighting the harsh realities of his isolation.

HAB, Mars
10

International Collaboration

In an act of global unity, the Chinese Space Agency offers assistance to NASA for Watney's rescue. Astrodynamicist Rich Purnell devises a daring plan that could turn the tide in favor of saving Watney.

NASA, Earth
11

Hermes Crew's Decision

The Hermes crew, driven by their sense of duty and friendship, decide to return to Mars for Watney. They take control of their ship and transform their mission into a personal rescue effort, disregarding official orders.

Space, heading to Mars
12

Preparing for Rescue

As Watney prepares for his journey to reach the Ares IV MAV, he faces a countdown filled with hope and anxiety. Each day is a test of his determination amidst the unforgiving Martian landscape.

Mars
13

Climactic Rescue Operation

The crew of Hermes approaches Mars for the dramatic rescue operation. Watney's survival hinges on meticulous precision, and a tense countdown culminates in an emotional reunion between him and his crew.

Mars
14

Watney's New Journey

Back on Earth, Watney takes on the role of an instructor for new astronauts. With a wealth of experience gained from his ordeal, he emphasizes resilience and problem-solving as vital skills for survival in space exploration.

Earth
15

Looking to the Future

In a hopeful epilogue, the characters' lives are revisited years later as they witness the launch of the Ares V mission. This serves as a powerful reminder of human tenacity and the spirit of exploration beyond Earth.

Earth

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 23:18

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Martian

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